Latest Coronavirus guidelines (10th September)

Following the latest government announcement on 8th September 2020, England Boxing can now clarify the latest restrictions and how they apply to our Clubs and Members.

At the outset, we would like to point out that these restrictions and guidelines – and the ones we currently have in place – are those of the government, and not our individual regulations. As the governing body, however, it is our responsibility to apply the regulations as they apply to amateur boxing in England.

Please can we once again thank all those Clubs and Members who have adhered to the regulations and guidelines provided for us to this point. We understand how frustrating this.

We are also aware the impact this is having on the physical and mental health of individuals and finances of the Clubs. However, as we are currently seeing with an increase in cases, if we don’t follow the guidelines, we could face further restrictions, resulting in  a greater impact and further delay to when we can provide competitive boxing again.

Again, we understand it’s frustrating when the GB Boxing and professionals are allowed to train fully and compete, but, again, they have to adhere to different government regulations, just like professional football, cricket and other sports.

Latest guidelines

• From 14th September, gatherings of more than six people will be banned and police will have appropriate legal power to enforce this.
• However, it has been confirmed that provided the protocols detailed in our advice, including the capacity and numbers permitted and found here are followed, Clubs can continue to deliver what is permitted in our guidelines.
• Within the Club, however, and as already advised, social distance of 2m and hygiene measures etc must be maintained and people are not to congregate in groups of more than six. This includes going to and from the Club.
• This is because our guidelines have stringent processes in place to reduce the risk of Covid-19, and because the venues, by following the guidelines, are classed as Covid-secure. It is only by following the guidelines that we are able to do this. If not, then the Club and those responsible will be in breach.

Lobbying for pad work

So that Clubs are aware, we, alongside other combat sports (as they are in the same position), have met and written collectively and individually to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport detailing how we think we can deliver pad work with restrictions and a way of returning to competitive boxing which we all desperately want to see.

We await their go-ahead and, as soon as we get more information, we will update the Membership.

We are also aware that ‘white collar’ clubs and other organisations are allowing pad work and even, in some cases, sparring. However, simply put, this isn’t currently permitted by law. These clubs are unregulated, unaccountable and very often unsafe and detrimental to the sport. It is important, therefore, that we stick to the current guidelines, and maintain the social distances, however frustrating this is.

Further updates when available

Once again we would like to thank all those who have adhered to the guidelines and supported the Members during this difficult time. We also thank you for the support, work and commitment you put into amateur boxing.

Please also please be assured we continue to campaign to get the restrictions amended. As soon as we get further information from the government, we will provide updates.

In the meantime, if there are any queries, then please do not hesitate to contact the office, by emailing enquiries@englandboxing.org.